U.S. patent application number 14/012565 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for apparatus and methods for mounting a binding to a ski.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Twining. Invention is credited to David Twining.
Application Number | 20140064865 14/012565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50184304 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140064865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Twining; David |
March 6, 2014 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MOUNTING A BINDING TO A SKI
Abstract
An apparatus includes a frame, a centering mechanism, a
positioning mechanism, and a mounting plate. The centering
mechanism is coupled to the frame and is configured to adjustably
center the apparatus widthwise on the ski. The positioning
mechanism is coupled to the frame and the mounting plate can be
removably coupled to the positioning mechanism. The mounting plate
includes a unique pattern of apertures that provide a guide for
drilling mounting holes in the ski. The positioning mechanism is
configured to adjustably move the mounting plate in a lengthwise
direction relative to the ski to a position to accommodate a select
length of a select reference member. In some embodiments, a second
mounting plate can be removably coupled to the positioning
mechanism that can include a second pattern of apertures, which
collectively with the pattern of apertures of the mounting plate
provide a guide for drilling holes in the ski.
Inventors: |
Twining; David; (Strawberry,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Twining; David |
Strawberry |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50184304 |
Appl. No.: |
14/012565 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61696101 |
Aug 31, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
408/1R ; 408/103;
408/115R |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 408/567 20150115;
Y10T 408/03 20150115; B23B 47/285 20130101; Y10T 408/563
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
408/1.R ;
408/115.R; 408/103 |
International
Class: |
B23B 47/28 20060101
B23B047/28 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a frame; a centering mechanism coupled
to the frame and configured to adjustably center the apparatus
widthwise on a ski; a positioning mechanism coupled to the frame;
and a mounting plate configured to be removably coupled to the
positioning mechanism, the mounting plate including a unique
pattern of apertures configured to provide a guide for drilling
holes in the ski, the positioning mechanism configured to
adjustably move the mounting plate in a lengthwise direction
relative to the ski to a position to accommodate a length of a
select reference member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is a first
mounting plate, the pattern of apertures is a first pattern, the
apparatus further comprising: a second mounting plate configured to
be removably coupled to the positioning mechanism, the second
mounting plate including a second pattern of apertures, the first
pattern of apertures and the second pattern of apertures
collectively configured to provide a guide for drilling holes in
the ski.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the centering mechanism
includes a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm, and a lever
configured to actuate the first clamp arm and the second arm
simultaneously such that the first clamp arm engages a first
lateral side of the ski and the second clamp arm engages a second
lateral side of the ski on an opposite side of the ski than the
first lateral side.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the positioning mechanism
includes an actuator configured to simultaneously move the first
mounting plate in a first direction and the second mounting plate
in a second opposite direction until a distance between a first
stop member on the first mounting plate and a second stop member on
the second mounting plate corresponds to the length of the select
reference member.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism
includes a lock member configured to at least one of limit or
prevent the positioning mechanism from moving relative to the ski
and to maintain the position of the mounting plate.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the centering mechanism
includes a lock member configured to at least one of limit or
prevent the centering mechanism from moving relative to the
ski.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the centering mechanism
includes a first clamp mechanism coupled to the frame on a first
end portion of the frame and a second clamp mechanism coupled to
the frame on a second end portion of the frame, the first clamp
mechanism includes first clamp arm and a second clamp arm, the
first clamp arm and the second arm configured to be simultaneously
moved such that the first clamp arm engages a first lateral side of
the ski and the second clamp arm engages a second lateral side of
the ski on an opposite side of the ski than the first lateral side,
the second clamp mechanism includes third clamp arm and a fourth
clamp arm, the third clamp arm and the fourth clamp arm configured
to be simultaneously moved such that the third clamp arm engages
the first lateral side of the ski and the second clamp arm engages
the second lateral side of the ski.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference member is a ski
boot.
9. An apparatus, comprising: a mounting plate configured to be
selectively and removably coupled to a mounting jig for use in
drilling a plurality of holes in a ski to be used to mount a ski
binding to the ski the mounting plate defining a select pattern of
apertures associated with a select ski binding, the apertures
configured to be used to guide the drilling of the plurality of
holes in a ski.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mounting plate includes a
first mounting plate and a second mounting plate that collectively
define the select pattern of apertures.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first mounting plate
defines a first plurality of apertures and is associated with a
first portion of the pattern of apertures associated with the
select ski binding for drilling holes to mount a toe portion of the
ski binding, the second mounting plate defines a second plurality
of apertures and is associated with a second portion of the pattern
of apertures associated with the select ski binding for drilling
holes to mount a heel portion of the ski binding.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first mounting plate
includes a first stop member, the second mounting plate includes a
second stop member, the first stop member configured to engage a
first end of a reference member and the second stop member
configured to engage a second end of the reference member when the
first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are each coupled
to a mounting jig and the reference member is disposed on the
mounting jig to adjust the mounting jig to correspond to a length
of the reference member.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, when mounted to a mounting jig, the
first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are configured
to be simultaneously moved such that the first mounting plate is
moved in a first direction and the second mounting plate is moved
in a second opposite direction until a distance between a first
stop member on the first mounting plate and a second stop member on
the second mounting plate corresponds to a select length of a
reference member.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mounting plate includes a
stop member configured to engage an end portion of a reference
member when the mounting plate is coupled to the mounting jig and
the reference member is disposed on the mounting jig to adjust the
mounting jig to correspond to a length of the reference member.
15. A method, comprising: positioning a mounting jig on a ski;
actuating a centering mechanism to adjustably center the mounting
jig widthwise on the ski; coupling a mounting plate to a
positioning mechanism of the mounting jig, the mounting plate
defining a pattern of apertures to be used to drill holes in the
ski, the pattern of apertures associated with a ski binding;
positioning a reference member on the mounting jig; actuating the
positioning mechanism such that the mounting plate is adjustably
moved to a select position to accommodate a length of the reference
member; and drilling holes in the ski at the location of the
pattern of apertures.
16. The method of claim 15, after the positioning the reference
member, locking the positioning mechanism such that the positioning
mechanism is prevented from moving and the mounting plate is
maintained at the select position.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: removing the
mounting plate from the positioning mechanism; and coupling a
second mounting plate to the positioning mechanism, the second
mounting plate defining a second pattern of apertures to be used to
drill holes in the ski.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the reference member is a first
reference member, the method further comprising: unlocking the
positioning mechanism; removing the mounting plate from the
positioning mechanism; coupling a second mounting plate to the
positioning mechanism, the second mounting plate defining a second
pattern of apertures to be used to drill holes in the ski, the
second pattern of apertures associated with a second ski binding
different than the first ski binding; and actuating the positioning
mechanism such that the second mounting plate is adjustably moved
to a select position to accommodate a length of a second reference
member.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the positioning includes
aligning a mark on the mounting jig to a line on the ski to
position the mounting jig lengthwise on the ski.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: prior to the
actuating the positioning mechanism, removing the reference member
from the mounting jig.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/696,101, entitled "Universal
Ski Mounting Jig," filed Aug. 31, 2012, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a jig that
can be used to facilitate the mounting of ski bindings to a ski
and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for a universal
jig that can accommodate multiple ski, binding, and boot
configurations to facilitate the placement and mounting of bindings
to a ski.
[0003] The current design of skis (e.g., snow skis) varies greatly
depending on the style of skiing for which the ski is designed. For
example, a ski designed for "all-mountain skiing" can vary in shape
and size from a ski designed for "race skiing." In some instances,
the width of a ski (e.g., at the ski waist or relative center of
the ski) can double from a width of a relatively narrow ski to the
width of a relatively wide ski. Moreover, the desired placement of
a ski boot relative to the ski (e.g., along a length of the ski)
can also be largely variant. For example, in considering a ski
configured for terrain park skiing, it can be desirable for the
placement of a ski boot relative to the ski to be forward of the
center of the ski while for a ski configured for all-mountain
skiing it can be desirable for the placement of the ski boot
relative to the ski to be substantially at the center of the
ski.
[0004] Ski bindings are typically mounted to a ski using a jig or
other like fixture or device to define where the mounting holes are
to be located. Ski bindings can be mounted to a ski by an
individual owner, for example, after purchasing skis, and/or by
businesses, such as ski shops that sell skis and/or bindings,
and/or by ski or binding manufacturers. In any case, there may be
limited availability of the hardware and/or mounting jigs. For
example, a jig that is suitable for facilitating the mounting of
bindings from a given manufactured may not be suitable for
facilitating the mounting of bindings from a different
manufacturer. As such, the individual and/or business may need to
purchase multiple jigs associated with specific binding
manufacturers which can be expensive as well as challenging to
store. Furthermore, as the design of a binding from a given
manufacturer changes (e.g., the hole pattern changes), a jig that
was once suitable may no longer be suitable for the newly designed
binding. In addition, a particular jig may be unable to accommodate
a particular ski, binding, and/or boot configuration. For example,
a ski can be too wide for a jig or the ski boot can be too big.
[0005] Thus a need exists for improved apparatus and methods for
mounting a binding to a ski and in particular for a mounting jig
that can be used facilitate the mounting of different types, styles
and/or sizes etc. of ski bindings having varying hole patterns for
mounting to a ski.
SUMMARY
[0006] Apparatus and methods for a universal jig that can
facilitate the placement and mounting of bindings to a ski are
described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a
frame, a centering mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a
mounting plate. The centering mechanism is coupled to the frame and
is configured to adjustably center the apparatus widthwise on the
ski. The positioning mechanism is coupled to the frame and the
mounting plate can be removably coupled to the positioning
mechanism. The mounting plate includes a unique pattern of
apertures that provide a guide for drilling mounting holes in the
ski. The positioning mechanism is configured to adjustably move the
mounting plate in a lengthwise direction relative to the ski to a
position to accommodate a select length of a select reference
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a jig according to an
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of a jig coupled to a ski according to
an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the jig of
FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the jig of FIG.
2 coupled to the ski of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
jig of FIG. 4 identified by the region X.sub.1 in FIG. 4, shown in
a first configuration.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clamp member included in a
centering mechanism of the jig of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuator included in the
centering mechanism of the jig of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the
jig of FIG. 4 identified by the region X.sub.1 in FIG. 4, shown in
a second configuration.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top view of a portion of the jig of FIG. 2
coupled to a ski.
[0016] FIG. 10 partial exploded perspective view of the jig of FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the jig of FIG. 2 taken
along the line 11-11 in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the jig of FIG.
11 identified by the region X.sub.2 in FIG. 11.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the jig of FIG. 2 coupled
to the ski and a schematic illustration of a ski boot coupled to
the jig.
[0020] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the jig and the
schematic illustration of the ski boot of FIG. 13 identified by the
region X.sub.3 in FIG. 13.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the jig of FIG. 2 coupled
to the ski and schematic illustration of a ski boot, shown in
another configuration.
[0022] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the jig and the
ski boot of FIG. 15 identified by the region X.sub.4 in FIG.
15.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first mounting plate and
a second mounting plate, according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first mounting plate and
a second mounting plate, according to another embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mounting plate, according
to another embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a
universal jig according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Apparatus and methods for a universal jig that can
facilitate the placement and mounting of bindings to, for example,
a snow ski are described herein. The universal can be used with
multiple different configurations of removable mounting plates that
define a unique pattern of apertures associated with a particular
binding. The mounting plates can be removably coupled to the jig
and used to guide a user where to drill holes in the ski to mount
the binding. The jig can then be removed and the binding can be
coupled to the ski. The use of a single jig having removable
mounting plates to accommodate various types and configurations of
bindings can reduce the costs associated with maintaining multiple
jigs to accommodate multiple different types of bindings. The
universal jig can also be beneficial when, for example, a
particular ski binding has a modification (e.g., by a
manufacturer). Rather than having to purchase a new jig to
accommodate the new binding, a user can acquire mounting plates
that have the unique pattern of apertures corresponding to the new
binding. The universal jig can also be used for positioning, for
example, demonstration bindings such as those used as ski
shops.
[0028] In some embodiments described herein, an apparatus (e.g.,
jig) includes a frame, a centering mechanism, a positioning
mechanism, and a mounting plate. The centering mechanism is coupled
to the frame and is configured to adjustably center the apparatus
widthwise on the ski. The positioning mechanism is coupled to the
frame and the mounting plate can be removably coupled to the
positioning mechanism. The mounting plate includes a unique pattern
of apertures that provide a guide for drilling mounting holes in
the ski. The positioning mechanism is configured to adjustably move
the mounting plate in a lengthwise direction relative to the ski to
a position to accommodate a select length of a select reference
member.
[0029] In some embodiments, a mounting plate is configured to be
selectively coupled to a mounting jig for use in drilling a set of
holes in a ski to be used to mount a ski binding to the ski. The
mounting plate defines a select pattern of apertures associated
with a select ski binding. The apertures are configured to be used
to guide the drilling of a set of holes in a ski.
[0030] In some embodiments, a method includes positioning a
mounting jig on a ski. A centering mechanism is actuated to
adjustably center the mounting jig widthwise on the ski. A mounting
plate can be coupled to a positioning mechanism of the mounting
jig. The mounting plate defines a pattern of apertures to be used
to drill holes in the ski. A reference member is positioned on the
mounting jig. The positioning mechanism is actuated such that the
mounting plate is adjustably moved to a select position to
accommodate a length of the reference member. The method includes
drilling holes in the ski at the location of the pattern of
apertures.
[0031] As used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "a member" is
intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, "a
material" is intended to mean one or more materials, or a
combination thereof.
[0032] As used herein, the term "set" can refer to multiple
features or a singular feature with multiple parts. For example,
when referring to a set of walls, the set of walls can be
considered as one wall with multiple portions, or the set of walls
can be considered as multiple, distinct walls. Thus, a
monolithically constructed item can include a set of walls. Such a
set of walls may include multiple portions that are either
continuous or discontinuous from each other. A set of walls can
also be fabricated from multiple items that are produced separately
and are later joined together (e.g., via a weld, an adhesive, or
any suitable method).
[0033] As used herein, the term "parallel" generally describes a
relationship between two geometric constructions (e.g., two lines,
two planes, a line and a plane or the like) in which the two
geometric constructions are substantially non-intersecting as they
extend substantially to infinity. For example, as used herein, a
line is said to be parallel to another line when the lines do not
intersect as they extend to infinity. Similarly, when a planar
surface (i.e., a two-dimensional surface) is said to be parallel to
a line, every point along the line is spaced apart from the nearest
portion of the surface by a substantially equal distance. Two
geometric constructions are described herein as being "parallel" or
"substantially parallel" to each other when they are nominally
parallel to each other, such as for example, when they are parallel
to each other within a tolerance. Such tolerances can include, for
example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the
like.
[0034] As used herein, the terms "perpendicular" and "orthogonal"
generally describe a relationship between two geometric
constructions (e.g., two lines, two planes, a line and a plane, or
the like) in which the two geometric constructions are disposed at
substantially 90.degree.. For example, a line is said to be
perpendicular to another line when the lines intersect at an angle
substantially equal to 90.degree.. Similarly, when a planar surface
(e.g., a two dimensional surface) is said to be orthogonal to
another planar surface, the planar surfaces are disposed at
substantially 90.degree. as the planar surfaces extend to
infinity.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a mounting jig 100
according to an embodiment. The mounting jig 100 (also referred to
herein as "jig") can be used, for example, to facilitate the
mounting of one or more bindings to a ski 140 (e.g., a snow ski).
More specifically, the jig 100 can be selectively placed in contact
with and/or at least temporarily coupled to the ski 140 to provide
a guide or template for drilling holes into the ski 140 that can be
used to mount one or more bindings thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, the
jig 100 includes a frame 110, a centering mechanism 130 and a
positioning mechanism 160 each coupled to he frame 110, and at
least one mounting plate 161 that can be selectively and removably
coupled the positioning mechanism 130 as describe din more detail
below.
[0036] The frame 110 can be any suitable shape, size, or
configuration and can be formed from any suitable material using
any suitable manufacturing technique. For example, in some
embodiment, the frame 110 can be formed from aluminum, aluminum
alloy, steel, stainless steel, and/or the like that can be bent,
extruded, milled, turned, punched, etc., or combination thereof. In
some embodiments, the frame 110 can be formed from a composite
material, a plastic, a fiber (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber,
etc.), and/or the like that can be formed using any suitable
technique.
[0037] The frame 110 is configured to be placed in contact with a
surface of the ski 140 when the jig 100 is coupled thereto. For
example, in some instances, the frame 110 can be placed in contact
with a surface of the ski 140 to which one or more ski bindings can
be coupled. In some embodiments, the frame 110 can include indicia
(e.g., a tick mark, an arrow, text, line, etc.) that can be
associated with, for example, a centerline of the frame 110. In
some instances, the frame 110 can be placed in contact with the
surface of the ski 140 such that the indicia of the frame 110 is
substantially aligned with indicia (e.g., denoting common boot or
binding locations) on the ski 140, as described in further detail
herein.
[0038] As described above, the centering mechanism 130 is coupled
to the frame 110 of the jig 100. In some embodiments, the centering
mechanism 130 can be configured to move relative to the frame 110
to temporarily couple the jig 100 to the ski 140. The centering
mechanism 130 can have various suitable configurations. For
example, in some embodiments, the centering mechanism 130 can
include a first arm and a second arm (each not shown in FIG. 1)
that can be moved relative to the frame 110. In some embodiments,
the first arm and the second arm can each include an engagement
portion that can be selectively placed in contact with a first side
(not shown) of the ski 140 and a second side (not shown) of the ski
140, respectively, to couple the jig 100 to the ski 140. More
specifically, the first arm and the second arm can be moved
relative to one another to increase or decrease a space defined
between the engagement portion of the first arm and the engagement
portion of the second arm. For example, in some instances, the
first arm can be moved in a first direction to place its engagement
portion in contact with the first side of the ski 140 and the
second arm can be moved in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, to place its engagement portion in contact with the
second side of the ski 140. Thus, the first and second arms of the
centering mechanism 130 can be moved to couple the jig 100 to the
ski 140. In some instances, the first arm and the second arm can be
moved substantially concurrently and proportionally such that the
jig 100 is centered widthwise on ski 140.
[0039] In some embodiments, the centering mechanism 130 can include
an actuator that can be operable in moving the first arm relative
to the second arm to increase or decrease the distance or space
defined between the engagement portion of the first arm and the
engagement portion of the second arm. In such embodiments, the
actuator can be a lever, a knob, and/or the like that can include
or can be coupled to a gear that can engage, for example, a rack
included in or defined by the first arm and the second arm. In this
manner, rotation of the actuator can rotate the gear relative to
the rack of the arms, thereby advancing the arms in a linear
motion. Similarly stated, the actuator and the arms can be arranged
in a rack and pinion configuration. Further details regarding the
operation of the centering mechanism 130 is described below with
reference to specific embodiments.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm can be
disposed on opposite sides of the actuator such that rotation of
the actuator (and the gear) in a first rotational direction (e.g.,
clockwise) can move the first arm in a first linear direction and
can move the second arm in a second linear direction that is
parallel and opposite to the first linear direction. Similarly,
when the gear is rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g.,
counterclockwise) the first arm can be moved in the second linear
direction and the second arm can be moved in the first linear
direction. Thus, the actuator can be actuated to decrease the space
defined between the engagement portion of the first arm and the
engagement portion of the second arm to an extent that the
engagement portion of the first arm and the engagement portion of
the second arm clamp the ski 140 therebetween. Said another way,
the actuator can be actuated to move the first arm and the second
arm such that the engagement portion of the first arm and the
engagement portion of the second arm exert a substantially equal
and opposite force on the first side and the second side,
respectively, of the ski 140 that is sufficient to couple the jig
100 thereto. The centering mechanism 130 can also include a lock
mechanism to lock the jig 100 in position on the ski 140.
[0041] The positioning mechanism 160 can be various suitable
configurations. The positioning mechanism 160 can be used to
position a mounting plate 161 along a length of the ski 140 (e.g.,
substantially orthogonal to the width of the ski 140 described
above). The mounting plate 161 is configured to be removably
coupled to the positioning mechanism 160. For example, in some
embodiments, the mounting plate 161 can define one or more
apertures that can receive a portion of the positioning mechanism
160. In this manner, at least the portion of the positioning
mechanism 160 can be moved relative to the frame 110 to move the
mounting plate 161 in a lengthwise direction relative to the ski
140.
[0042] The mounting plate 161 can include a tab or stop member
configured to be placed in contact with a portion (e.g., a front or
rear end) of a reference member 105. The reference member 105 can
be, for example, a ski boot or an object having a length that can
be used for facilitating the positioning and attachment of a demo
binding (e.g., as used by ski shops). Therefore, when the reference
member 105 is in contact with the stop member of the mounting plate
161, movement of at least the portion of the positioning mechanism
160 moves the reference member 105 in a lengthwise direction
relative to the ski 140. In some instances, the reference member
105 and the ski 140 can each include indicia (e.g., tick marks,
gradation, text, arrows, etc.) associated with a relative position.
For example, the reference member 105 can include a tick mark
associated with a relative lengthwise center of the reference
member 105 (e.g., the center lengthwise of a sole of a ski boot)
and the ski 140 can include a set of tick marks associated with
common positions of the reference member 105 (e.g., ski boot)
relative to the ski 140. Thus, at least the portion of the
positioning mechanism 160 can be moved to align the indicia on the
reference member 105 with the indicia on the ski 110 such that the
reference member 105 will be in the desired position along the
length of the ski 140. Moreover, with the indicia of the frame 110
aligned with the indicia of the ski 140, the indicia of the
reference member 105, the frame 110, and the ski 140 can all be
substantially aligned.
[0043] The mounting plate 161 can be any suitable shape, size, or
configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting plate
161 can have a shape, size, or configuration that substantially
corresponds with a specific binding (not shown) to be mounted to
the ski 140. For example, the mounting plate 161 can define a set
of holes that are arranged in a specific pattern associated with a
mounting portion of a specific binding (e.g., a pattern of mounting
holes defined by the binding). Thus, with the jig 100 centered
relative to the width of the ski 140 (e.g., by the centering
mechanism 130 described above), and with the positioning mechanism
160 disposed at a desired and with the mounting plate 161 coupled
to the positioning mechanism 160, the set of holes (also referred
to herein as "guide openings") defined by the mounting plate 161
can provide a guide or template associated with positions at which
holes can be drilled into the ski 140 to mount the binding.
Similarly stated, the mounting plate 161 can be removably coupled
to the positioning mechanism 160 of the jig 100 at a desired
location along the length of the ski 140 such that a drill bit or
the like can be passed through the set of holes defined by the
mounting plate 161 to drill mounting holes into a surface of the
ski 140. After the holes have been drilled, the jig 100 can be
decoupled from the ski 140 and the binding can be mounted to the
ski 140 using the mounting holes drilled into the surface of the
ski 140 (as positioned by the mounting plate 161 of the jig 100).
Because the reference member 105 was previously aligned with the
ski 140 (as described above), the position of the binding can be
associated with the desired position of the reference member 105
(e.g., ski boot) relative the ski 140. For example, as discussed
above, indicia on the reference member 105 can be aligned with any
suitable part of the indicia on the ski 140.
[0044] Although described above as including a single mounting
plate 161, in some embodiments, the jig 100 can include the
mounting plate 161 (e.g., also referred to herein as a "first
mounting plate") and a second mounting plate 166. The second
mounting plate 166 can be substantially similar in function as the
first mounting plate 161. The second mounting plate 166 can be
removably coupled to the positioning mechanism 160 in a similar
manner as described above with reference to the first mounting
plate 161. In such embodiments, the positioning mechanism 160 can
be configured to move the first mounting plate 161 and the second
mounting plate 166 in a lengthwise direction of the ski 10. In some
instances, the arrangement of the positioning mechanism 160 and the
mounting plates 161 and 166 can be such that the first mounting
plate 161 and the second mounting plate 166 move substantially
concurrently and proportionally in opposite directions. Said
another way, the positioning mechanism 160 can move the first
mounting plate 161 in a first direction and can move the second
mounting plate 166 in a second direction, opposite the first
direction such that the first mounting plat 161 and the second
mounting plate 166 can be moved closer or farther apart from each
other. For example, in some embodiments, the positioning mechanism
160 can include a first shuttle coupled to the first mounting plate
161, a second shuttle coupled to the second mounting plate 166, and
a track. In such embodiments, the first shuttle can be configured
to move in the first direction along the track while the second
shuttle can be configured to move in the second direction along the
track and vice versa. In some embodiments, the track can be, for
example, a belt, a chain, a tether, a band, a channel, and/or the
like.
[0045] In some embodiments, the first shuttle and the second
shuttle can be coupled to the track such that movement of the first
shuttle in the first direction moves the second shuttle an equal
distance in the second direction and vice versa. In this manner,
the first mounting plate 161 and the second mounting plate 166 can
be moved substantially concurrently such that a stop member of the
first mounting plate 161 (described above) engages a first portion
(e.g., a front end) of the reference member 105 and a stop member
of the second mounting plate 166 engages a second portion (e.g., a
rear end) of the reference member 105. As such, the reference
member 105 can be placed on the mounting plates 161 and 162 within
the positioning mechanism 160 such that the reference member 105 is
centered relative to the frame 110. Expanding further, by moving
the first mounting plate 161 and the second mounting plate 166 an
equal distance in parallel but opposite directions, the positioning
mechanism 160, the first mounting plate 161, and the second
mounting plate 166 can center a reference member 105 (e.g., ski
boot) of any suitable size relative to the frame 110.
[0046] FIGS. 2-16 illustrate a mounting jig 200 according to an
embodiment. The mounting jig 200 (also referred to herein as "jig")
can be used, for example, to facilitate the mounting of ski
bindings to a ski 240 (e.g., a snow ski). More specifically, the
jig 200 is configured to accommodate various boot-binding-ski
configurations to facilitate the mounting of bindings at a desired
position along a length and width of the ski 240. As shown in FIG.
2, the jig 200 includes a frame 210, a pair of centering mechanisms
230, a positioning mechanism 260, a cover 225, and a pair of
mounting plates 261 and 266. The frame 210 can be any suitable
shape, size, or configuration and can be formed from any suitable
material using any suitable manufacturing technique. For example,
in some embodiment, the frame 210 can be formed from aluminum,
aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, and/or the like that can be
bent, extruded, milled, turned, punched, etc., and/or any
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the frame 210 can be
formed from a composite material, a plastic, a fiber (e.g.,
fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), and/or the like that can be formed
using any suitable technique.
[0047] The frame 210 has a first end portion 211 and a second end
portion 212 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). A first centering mechanism
230 is movably coupled to the first end portion 211 and a second
centering mechanism 230 is movably coupled to the second end
portion 212 (see e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), as described in further
detail herein. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the frame 210 includes a base
213 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), a first wall 214, and a second wall
218. The frame 210 can be disposed on a ski 240 when the jig 200 is
coupled thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in some
embodiments the base 213 of the frame 210 can be placed in contact
with a surface of the ski 240 to which one or more bindings can be
coupled. In some embodiments, the base 213 can be disposed above
the top surface of the ski 240. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
cover 225 can be coupled to the frame 210 to substantially enclose
at least a portion of the jig 200. Furthermore, the cover 225
defines a set of openings 226 through which a portion of the
centering mechanisms 230 can extend, as described in further detail
herein.
[0048] The first wall 214 and the second wall 218 each extend
substantially perpendicular relative to a top surface of the base
213. For example, the first wall 214 and the second wall 218 can
extend from a first outer edge and a second outer edge,
respectively, of the base 213. More specifically, the walls 214 and
218 extend from opposite sides of the base 213 along a length
L.sub.1 of the frame 210 (e.g., substantially the entire length of
the frame 210), as shown in FIG. 4. Although the ends of the frame
210 are shown as not including a set of walls, in other
embodiments, each side around the perimeter of the base 213 can
include and/or otherwise be coupled to a set of walls. In some
embodiments, the walls 214 and 218 may not extend the entire length
L.sub.1 of the frame 210. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first wall
214 of the frame 210 defines a first opening 215 defined at or
along the first end portion 211 of the frame 210, a second opening
216 defined at or along the second end portion 212 of the frame
210, and a slot 217. The first opening 215 and the second opening
216 can be substantially similar or the same in size and/or shape
or can be different in size and/or shape. The first opening 215
receives a portion of the centering mechanism 230 disposed at the
first end portion 211 of the frame 210 and the second opening 216
receives a similar portion of the centering mechanism 230 disposed
at the second end portion 212 of the frame 210. The slot 217
receives a portion of the positioning mechanism 260, as described
in further detail herein.
[0049] The second wall 218 is arranged in a substantially mirrored
orientation relative to the first wall 214. Thus, the second wall
218 defines a first opening 219 at or along the first end portion
211 of the frame 210, a second opening 220 at or along the second
end portion 212 of the frame 210, and a slot 221. As described
above, the first opening 219 receives a portion of the centering
mechanism 230 disposed at the first end portion 211 of the frame
210, the second opening 220 receives a portion of the centering
mechanism 230 disposed of the second end portion 212 of the frame
210, and the slot 221 receives a portion of the positioning
mechanism 260, as described in further detail herein.
[0050] Although not shown in FIGS. 2-16, in some embodiments, the
frame 210 can include indicia (e.g., a tick mark, an arrow, text,
etc.) that can be associated with, for example, a midpoint along
the length L.sub.1 of the frame 210. Said another way, the indicia
can be configured to indicate a center or substantially the center
of the frame 210. In some instances, the frame 210 can be disposed
on the ski 240 such that the indicia of the frame 210 is
substantially aligned with indicia (e.g., denoting boot or binding
locations) on the ski 240, as described in further detail
herein.
[0051] As described above, the jig 210 includes the pair of
centering mechanisms 230. The centering mechanisms 230 are
substantially similar or the same in form and function. Therefore,
a discussion of one of the centering mechanisms 230 (e.g., the
centering mechanism 230 movably coupled to the first end portion
211 of the frame 210) applies to both the centering mechanisms 230
unless expressed otherwise.
[0052] The centering mechanism 230 is coupled to the frame 210 and
can be moved relative to the frame 210 to temporarily couple the
jig 200 to the ski 240. The centering mechanism 230 can be various
suitable configurations. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-8, the
centering mechanism 230 includes a first clamp member 231, a second
clamp member 241, and an actuator 250. As described in further
detail herein, the actuator 250 can be manipulated to move the
first clamp member 231 (also referred to herein as "first clamp
mechanism" or "first clamp arm") and the second clamp member 241
(also referred to herein as "second clamp mechanism" or "second
clamp arm") relative to the frame 210 to couple the jig 200 to the
ski 240. The first clamp member 231 and the second clamp member 241
can be substantially similar or the same in form and function and
can be arranged in a substantially mirrored orientation relative to
the frame 210. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the
centering mechanism 230 can be arranged such that a portion of the
first clamp member 231 is movably disposed in the first opening 215
of the first wall 214 and the second clamp member 241 is movably
disposed in the first opening 219 of the second wall 218.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first clamp member 231
includes a first arm 232, a second arm 234, and an engagement
portion 238. The engagement portion 238 can be, for example, a tab
or flange that can extend substantially perpendicular relative to
the arms 232 and 234 to be selectively placed in contact with a
surface (e.g., a side edge) of the ski 240 (see e.g., FIG. 8), as
described in further detail herein. In some embodiments, the
engagement portion 238 can be coupled to or otherwise include a
bumper or the like that can be formed from a relatively flexible
material. In such embodiments, the bumper can be placed in contact
with a surface (e.g., side edge) of the ski 240 to prevent
scratching or damage of the ski 240 during use of the jig 200.
[0054] The first arm 232 and the second arm 234 are arranged in a
substantially parallel orientation relative to one another.
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first arm 232 defines a
slot 233 that is substantially parallel to a slot 235 defined by
the second arm 234. In this manner, one or more couplers 255 (e.g.,
a mechanical fastener such as a bolt, screw, rivet, clip, pin,
and/or the like) can be at least partially disposed within the slot
233 of the first arm 232 and the slot 235 of the second arm 234 to
slidably couple the first clamp member 231 to the base 213. For
example, in some embodiments, the couplers 255 can be bolts that
can be inserted into the slots 233 and 235 such that a first end
portion of the couplers 255 (e.g., a bolt head or the like) is
disposed above a top surface of the arms 232 and 234, respectively,
and a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, of the
couplers 255 extends through the slots 233 and 235 to define a
threaded coupling with a portion of the base 213 (e.g., a threaded
nut or opening). As a result, the first clamp member 231 is
slidably coupled to the base 213 and can be slid through the
opening 215 defined by the first wall 214. This slidable coupling
allows the engagement portion 238 to be moved closer to or farther
away from the side edge of the ski 240, as described in further
detail below.
[0055] The parallel arrangement of the first arm 232 and the second
arm 234 of the first clamp member 231 is such that a space defined
between an inner surface of the first arm 232 and an inner surface
of the second arm 234 defines a void 237 that receives a portion of
the actuator 250. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 6, the first
arm 232 has a substantially smooth or substantially linear inner
surface while the inner surface of the second arm 234 includes a
set of protrusions or teeth 236. The protrusions 236 can be, for
example, substantially uniform and can be disposed along a length
(or a portion of the length) of the second arm at a substantially
consistent spacing. As such, the protrusions 236 can be configured
to engage a portion of the actuator 250, when the actuator 250 is
disposed within the void 237, as described in further detail
below.
[0056] The second clamp member 241 of the centering mechanism 230
is substantially similar to or the same as the first clamp member
231. Therefore, the second clamp member 241 is briefly described
herein and should be considered the same as the first clamp member
231 unless explicitly described otherwise. As shown in FIG. 5, the
second clamp member 241 includes a first arm 242, a second arm 244,
and an engagement portion 248. The engagement portion 248 can be a
tab or the like, as described above with reference to the first
clamp member 231. Similarly, the first arm 242 and the second arm
244 are in a similar arrangement as described above with reference
to the first arm 232 and the second arm 234 of the first clamp
member 231. As such, the first arm 242 and the second arm 244 each
define a slot 243 and 245, respectively, which can receive the
couplers 255. Moreover, the inner surface of the second arm 244
includes a set of protrusions 246 that are configured to engage the
actuator 250 when the actuator 250 is disposed within a void 247
defined between the first arm 242 and the second arm 244, as
similarly described above with reference to the first clamp member
231.
[0057] The actuator 250 of the centering mechanism 230 can be any
suitable device or mechanism that can be manipulated to move the
first clamp member 231 and/or the second clamp member 241 relative
to the frame 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 250
can include a lever 251, a retention knob 252, and a pinion 253.
Although not shown in FIGS. 4-8, the retention knob 252 can include
or can be operably coupled to a bolt or the like that can define a
threaded coupling with a portion of the base 213. In this manner,
the retention knob 252 can be rotated relative to the lever 251 to
allow (e.g., unlock) or to limit (e.g., lock) rotational movement
of the actuator 251. For example, the retention knob 252 can be
rotated in a first direction such that more threads of the bolt
(not shown) engage the portion of the base 213, thereby moving the
retention knob 252 towards the base 213 and increasing a force
exerted by the retention knob 252 on the lever 251. Conversely, the
retention knob 252 can be rotated in a second direction, opposite
the first direction such that fewer threads of the bolt engage the
portion of the base 213, thereby moving the retention knob 252 away
from the base and decreasing the force exerted by the retention
knob 252 on the lever 251. In this manner, the retention knob 252
can be rotated between a first configuration in which the force
exerted by the retention knob 252 on the lever 251 is sufficient to
substantially limit rotation of the lever 251 and a second
configuration in which the force exerted by the retention knob 252
is not sufficient to substantially limit rotation of the lever
251.
[0058] As described above, the pinion 253 of the actuator 250 is
configured to engage the first clamp member 231 and the second
clamp member 241. More particularly, when the actuator 250 is
disposed in the void 237 defined by the first clamp member 231 and
the void 247 defined by the second clamp member 241, the pinion 253
engages the protrusions 236 of the first clamp member 231 and the
protrusions 246 of the second clamp member 241, respectively. For
example, in some embodiments, the retention knob 252 can be placed
in the second configuration, thereby allowing the lever 251 to be
rotated relative to the base 213. The rotation of the lever 251
rotates the pinion 253 about the bolt (not shown) that couples the
retention knob 252 to the base 213. As the pinion 253 is rotated,
the protrusions 236 of the first clamp member 231 and the
protrusions 246 of the second clamp member 241 sequentially engage
the pinion 253 to linearly move the first clamp member 231 and the
second clamp member 241, respectively, relative to the actuator
250. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the lever 251 of the
actuator 250 can be rotated in a first direction (as indicated by
the arrow AA in FIG. 8) to linearly move the first clamp member 231
from a first position (shown in FIG. 5) to a second position (shown
in FIG. 8) to bring the engagement portion 238 into contact with a
first side of the ski 240, as indicated by the arrow BB in FIG. 8.
Moreover, the mirrored arrangement of the first clamp member 231
and the second clamp member 241 is such that the protrusions 246 of
the second clamp member 241 are disposed opposite the protrusions
236 of the first clamp member 231. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8,
rotation of the lever 251 moves the second clamp member 241 in a
direction that is opposite the direction of motion of the first
clamp member 231, as indicated by the arrow CC in FIG. 8. As a
result, the engagement portion 248 of the second clamp member 241
can be brought into contact with a second side of the ski 240,
opposite the first side of the ski. In this manner, the lever 251
of the actuator 250 can be rotated to an extent that the engagement
portion 238 of the first clamp member 231 and the engagement
portion 248 of the second clamp member 241 exert an equal but
opposite force on the respective sides of the ski 240 that is
sufficient to at least temporarily couple the jig 200 to the ski
240. As described in further detail herein, the actuator 250 can be
rotated in a direction that is substantially opposite of the
direction AA in FIG. 8 to remove the engagement portions 238 and
248 from contact with the first side and the second side,
respectively, of the ski 20, thereby allowing the jig 200 to be
decoupled from the ski 240.
[0059] The arrangement of the centering mechanism 230 can be such
that as the actuator 250 is manipulated, the first clamp member 231
and the second clamp member 241 are moved substantially
concurrently and proportionally in opposite directions. In this
manner, the centering mechanism 230 can automatically center the
first end portion 211 of the frame 210 relative to the ski 240.
Moreover, the arrangement of the centering mechanism 230 can be
such that when the actuator 250 is manipulated, the centering
mechanism 230 can automatically center at least a portion of the
jig 200 on a ski having various different widths and/or
thicknesses. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in some instances,
the jig 200 can be coupled to a ski 240' having a relatively small
width. In such instances, the actuator 250 can be rotated in, for
example, a clockwise direction (as indicated by the arrow DD in
FIG. 9) to move the first clamp member 231 and the second clamp
member 241 relative to the ski 30. More particularly, as shown in
FIG. 9, the actuator 250 can be rotated a sufficient amount to move
the first clamp member 231 in a first direction (as indicated by
the arrow EE) such that the engagement portion 238 is placed in
contact with a first side of the ski 240' as well as a sufficient
amount to move the second clamp member 241 in a second direction,
opposite the first direction (as indicated by the arrow FF), such
that the engagement portion 238 is placed in contact with a second
side of the ski 30, opposite the first side of the ski 30. Thus,
the centering mechanism 230 can center the jig relative to a ski
and couple the jig to the ski regardless of the width of the ski.
Although not described in detail herein, the centering member 230
that is movably coupled to the second end portion 212 of the frame
210 can be similarly manipulated to couple and center the second
end portion 212 of the frame 210 to the ski 240 (or ski 240').
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 10-16, the positioning mechanism 260 of
the jig 200 is operably coupled to the frame 210. The positioning
mechanism 260 can be various different configurations. The
positioning mechanism 260 can be used to position the mounting
plates 261 and 266 lengthwise on the jig 200 along a length of a
ski (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the width of the ski). As
shown in FIG. 10, the positioning mechanism 260 includes a pair of
shuttles 270, a set of gears 285, and a drive member 280. The gears
285 are rotatably coupled to the base 213 of the frame 210. For
example, in some embodiments, a coupling member 227 (see e.g., FIG.
10) such as a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, and/or the
like) can extend through an aperture defined by the gears 285 to
define a threaded coupling with, for example, a PEW.RTM. Nut
included in the base 213. In this manner, the gears 285 can be
rotated about the coupling member 227, as described in further
detail herein.
[0061] The drive member 280 of the positioning mechanism 260 can be
any suitable band or the like that can be rotated relative to the
frame 210. For example, in some embodiments, the drive member 280
can be a belt with an inner surface that includes and/or otherwise
defines a set of substantially equally spaced and equally sized
protrusions that are configured to sequentially engage the gears
285. Expanding further, in some embodiments, the drive member 280
can be stretched around the gears 285 such that a desired tension
is defined along a length of the drive member 280. The tension
along the length of the drive member 280 can be sufficiently large
to substantially limit and/or prevent the drive member 280 from
slipping relative to the gears 285. In other words, the arrangement
of the gears 285 and the drive member 280 can be such that rotation
of the drive member 280 rotates the gears 285 in a substantially
concurrent and proportional manner. Furthermore, the gears 285 can
include and/or define a set of protrusions or teeth that can
engage, for example, the protrusions of the drive member 280 such
that slipping of the drive member 280 along a surface of the gears
285 is substantially limited. Although the drive member 280 is
described above as being a belt, in other embodiments, the drive
member 280 can be a chain, a band, a tether, and/or any suitable
kinematic linkage.
[0062] The shuttles 270 of the positioning mechanism 260 can be any
suitable shape, size, or configuration, and can be operably coupled
to the frame 210 and the drive member 280. More particularly, the
shuttles 270 define a slot 273 that receives a portion of the drive
member 280 to couple the shuttle 270 thereto, as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 10-12. In some embodiments, the arrangement of
the shuttles 270 can be such that an inner surface defines at least
a portion of the slot 273 and includes and/or defines a set of
protrusions, teeth, grooves, etc. that can engage, for example, the
protrusions of the drive member 280 when the drive member 280 is
disposed in the slot 273. In this manner, the shuttles 270 can be
fixedly coupled to the drive member 280. Moreover, as shown in FIG.
10, the arrangement of the pair of shuttles 270 relative to the
drive member 280 is such that one shuttle 270 is coupled to a first
side of the drive member 280 and the other shuttle 270 is coupled
to a second side (opposite the first side) of the drive member 280,
in a substantially mirrored orientation. As described in further
detail herein, such an arrangement can allow the shuttles 270 to
move substantially concurrently and proportionally, in opposite
directions, when the drive member 280 is rotated relative to the
frame 210.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the shuttles 270 define an opening
272 that can receive a portion of a retention knob 274. More
specifically, the retention knob 274 includes a threaded portion
275 that can be inserted into the opening 272 defined by each
shuttle 270 to define a threaded coupling with a surface of each
shuttle 270 defining the opening 272. In some embodiments, the
threaded portion 275 can be, for example, a bolt or the like that
can be over-molded with, for example, a dissimilar material (e.g.,
plastic, rubber, nylon, ceramic, thermoplastic, etc.) to form the
retention knob 274. The threaded portion 275 can extend, at least
partially, beyond a surface of the retention knob 274 to be
inserted into the slot 217 defined by the first wall 214 of the
frame 210 or the slot 221 defined by the second wall 218 of the
frame 210. In other words, one of the shuttles 270 is disposed
along the drive member 280 such that at least a portion of that
shuttle 270 is adjacent to the slot 217 defined by the first wall
214, thereby allowing the threaded portion 275 of that retention
knob 274 to extend through the slot 217 to define the threaded
coupling with that shuttle 270. Similarly, the other shuttle 270 is
disposed along the drive member 280 such that at least a portion of
that shuttle 270 is adjacent to the slot 221 defined by the second
wall 218, thereby allowing the threaded portion 275 of that
retention knob 274 to extend through the slot 221 to define the
threaded coupling with that shuttle 270.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 12, the arrangement of the shuttle 270
(only one shuttle 270 is shown in FIG. 12), the retention knob 274,
and the first wall 214 is such that the shuttle 270 is disposed
adjacent to an inner surface of the first wall 214 and the
retention knob 274 is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the
first wall 214. In this manner, the threaded portion 275 of the
retention knob 274 can be advanced within the opening 272 of the
shuttle 270 to place a surface of the shuttle 270 in contact with
the inner surface of the first wall 214 and a surface of the
retention knob 274 in contact with the outer surface of the first
wall 214, thereby retaining the shuttle 270 in a relatively fixed
position relative to the first wall 214. Said another way, when the
threaded portion 275 of the retention knob 274 is advanced within
the opening 272 of the shuttle 270 the shuttle 270 and/or the
retention knob 274 exert a force on the first wall 214 that is
sufficient to retain or lock the position of the shuttle 270
relative to the first wall 214. Conversely, the threaded portion
275 of the retention knob 274 can be retracted from a portion of
the opening 272 to substantially reduce the force exerted on the
first wall 214 (e.g., unlock) and/or to allow the shuttle 270
and/or the retention knob 274 to be removed from contact with the
first wall 214 (e.g., either automatically or by a manually applied
force). Thus, the force exerted on the first wall 214 can be
sufficiently reduced such that the shuttle 270 is no longer
retained in a fixed position relative to the frame 210. The other
shuttle 270 disposed adjacent to the slot 221 defined by the second
wall 218 can be arranged in a similar manner and is, therefore, not
described in further detail herein. Although the retention knob 274
is described above as defining a threaded coupling with the shuttle
270, in other embodiments, the retention knob 274 can be any
suitable mechanism that can be operably coupled to the shuttle 270
and configured to selectively retain the position of the shuttle
270 relative to the frame 210.
[0065] In some instances, the retention knob 274 of each shuttle
270 can be engaged to reduce the force exerted on the walls 214 and
218 of the frame 210 to allow the shuttles 270 to be moved relative
to the frame 210, as described above. With the force reduced, the
retention knob 274 of either shuttle 270 can be slid relative to
the frame 210 to place the threaded portion 275 in a desired
location along a length of the slot 217 or slot 221. With the
threaded portion 275 at least partially disposed within the opening
272 of the shuttle 270, the movement of the retention knob 274
relative to the frame 210 also moves the shuttle 270 relative to
the frame 210. In this manner, the shuttle 270 can be placed in a
desired location along the length of the jig 200. Furthermore, with
the shuttles 270 fixedly coupled to the drive member 280, movement
of one of the shuttles 270 rotates the drive member 280 relative to
the frame 210. Thus, as the retention member 274 is moved, the
shuttles 270 are moved in a substantially concurrent and
proportional manner in opposite directions (e.g., due to the
mirrored orientation, as described above). The arrangement of the
positioning mechanism 260 and the frame 210 (e.g., the slots 217
and 221) is such that the shuttles 270 are maintained a
substantially equal distance from a center of the jig 200
regardless of the position of the shuttles 270 relative to the
slots 217 and 221. In other words, a distance between a point on
one shuttle 270 and the center of the jig 200 is equal to a
distance between a corresponding point (e.g., the equivalent point)
on the other shuttle and the center of the jig 200.
[0066] Referring back to FIG. 10, the shuttles 270 each include a
set of protrusions 271 that can be used to couple the first
mounting plate 261 to one shuttle 270 and the second mounting plate
266 to the other shuttle 270. More particularly, the first mounting
plate 261 defines a set of apertures 263 that can receive at least
a portion of the protrusions 271 of the shuttle 270 to at least
temporarily couple the first mounting plate 261 to that shuttle
270. Similarly, the second mounting plate 266 defines a set of
apertures 268 that can receive at least a portion of the
protrusions 271 of the other shuttle 270. When coupled to the
shuttles 270, the first mounting plate 261 and the second mounting
plate 266 can be disposed in a substantially mirrored orientation,
as described above with reference to the shuttles 270. Thus, with
the first mounting plate 261 and the second mounting plate 266 each
coupled to one of the shuttles 270, movement of the shuttles 270,
as described above, is operable in moving the mounting plates 261
and 266 relative to the frame 210, as described in further detail
herein.
[0067] The first mounting plate 261 includes a tab 264 and defines
a set of guide openings 262. The tab 264 can be various shapes
and/or sizes and can act as a stop member for placement of the
reference member 225. For example, while shown in FIG. 10 as being
a portion of the mounting plate 261 that is bent into a
substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a surface of
the mounting plate 261, in other embodiments, the tab 264 can be
coupled to (e.g., not monolithically formed with the mounting plate
261) to the mounting plate 261. The tab 264 can be used to engage a
portion of a reference member (e.g., ski boot) (not shown in FIG.
10), as described in further detail herein. The set of guide
openings 262 defined by the mounting plate 261 can be a unique set
of apertures associated with, for example, a portion of a set of
mounting holes for a specific ski binding. For example, the guide
openings 262 can be associated with the holes used to attach a toe
portion of the ski binding.
[0068] The second mounting plate 266 includes a tab 269 and defines
a set of guide opening 267. The tab 269 of the second mounting
plate 266 can be similar in function of as the first mounting plate
261 and thus, not described in further detail herein. The set of
guide openings 267 can be a unique set of apertures associated
with, for example, a portion of a set of mounting holes for a
specific ski binding. For example, in this embodiment, the set of
guide openings 267 can be associated with holes used to attach a
heel portion of a ski binding. Thus, collectively the guide holes
262 of the first mounting plate 261 and the guide holes 267 of the
second mounting plate 266 define a unique set of apertures
associated with a specific ski binding. In an embodiment in which
there is a single mounting plate (see e.g., FIG. 19), the mounting
plate can include a set of guide openings that define a unique set
of apertures for a particular ski binding and can include the hole
pattern for both the toe portion and heel portion of the ski
binding.
[0069] In use, the jig 200 can be used to facilitate the placement
of ski bindings in a desired location relative to the ski (e.g.,
the ski 240). For example, in some instances, the jig 200 can be
used to facilitate the placement of ski bindings (not shown) that
are associated with a desired placement of a ski boot 205, having a
length L.sub.2, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In such instances, the
jig 200 can be placed in a desired location relative to the ski
240. For example, as described above, indicia or the like on the
frame 210 of the jig 200 (described above) can be aligned with
indicia printed on the ski 240. With the jig 200 in the desired
position along the length of the ski 240, the centering mechanisms
230 can be manipulated to couple the jig 200 to the ski 240 (e.g.,
by placing the engagement portions 238 and 248 in contact with the
respective sides of the ski 240, as described in detail above). In
this manner, the jig 200 can be centered (e.g., automatically due
to the arrangement of the centering mechanisms 230) along the width
of the ski 240.
[0070] With the jig 200 in the desired position widthwise relative
to the ski 240, the boot 205 can be placed on at least a portion of
the mounting plate 261 and/or the mounting plate 266. For example,
in some instances, the boot 205 can be positioned relative to the
first mounting plate 261 such that the tab 264 is placed in contact
with a front surface of the boot 205 (or alternatively such that
the tab 269 is in contact with a back surface of the boot 205). The
retention knobs 274 of the shuttle 270 can be engaged to retract
the threaded portion 275 from a portion of the opening 272 defined
by each shuttle 270, in other words, to unlock the positioning
mechanism 260. In some instances, the retention knobs 274 can be
retracted prior to placing the boot 205 in contact with the
mounting plate 261 and/or 266. Thus, the retention knob 274 can be
moved along a length of the associated slot 217 or 221 to an extent
that moves the tab 269 of the second mounting plate 266 toward the
boot 205 until the tab 269 contacts a back surface of the boot 205
(e.g., opposite the front surface of the boot 205). As described
above, the arrangement of the positioning mechanism 260 is such
that the shuttles 270 (and therefore, the mounting plates 261 and
266) move in a substantially concurrent and proportional manner in
opposite directions. Thus, as the retention knob 274 is moved
(e.g., by a user), the first mounting plate 261 and the second
mounting plate 266 are each moved further from or towards the
center of the jig 200 to an extent that places the tab 264 of the
first mounting plate 261 and the tab 269 of the second mounting
plate 266 in contact with the front and back surfaces,
respectively, of the ski boot 205. Moreover, such an arrangement
can automatically center the ski boot 205 lengthwise relative to
the jig 200 such that indicia associated with the center
(lengthwise) of the boot 205 can be aligned with the indicia on the
frame 210 of the jig 200 and the desired indicia on the ski
240.
[0071] Once the boot 205 is positioned relative to the ski 240, the
retention knobs 274 can be engaged to advance the threaded portion
275 within the opening 272 defined by each shuttle 270 to retain
the position of the shuttles 270 and, therefore, the mounting
plates 261 and 266 relative to the frame 210. In some instances,
the boot 205 can then be removed from the jig 200 to expose the
guide openings 262 of the first mounting plate 261 and the guide
openings 267 of the second mounting plate 266. Thus, with the
position of the mounting plates 261 and 266 substantially fixed, a
drill bit can be advanced through the guide openings 262 of the
first mounting plate 261 and the guide openings 267 of the second
mounting plate 266 to allow a user to drill mounting holes in a
desired position in the ski 240, which can be used to attach one or
more ski bindings (not shown) to the ski 240. With the mounting
holes drilling in a surface of the ski 240, the centering
mechanisms 230 can be actuated to decouple the jig 200 from the ski
240 and, once removed, the ski bindings can be coupled to the ski
240 via the drilled mounting holes. In this manner, the jig 200 can
be used to facilitate the mounting of ski bindings to a ski in a
position that is associated with a desired boot position.
[0072] As described above, the jig 200 can be used to facilitate
the placement of ski bindings to a ski in a position that is
associated with a desired position of any suitably sized boot. For
example, FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the jig 200 in use to
facilitate the placement of ski bindings to the ski 240 that are
associated with a desired position of a boot 205', having a length
L.sub.3. As shown, the length L.sub.3 of the boot 205' is shorter
than the length L.sub.2 of the boot 205 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The jig
200 can be placed relative to the ski 240 in a similar manner as
described above and the centering mechanisms 230 can be manipulated
to couple the jig 200 to the ski 240. After the jig 200 is coupled
to the ski 240, the positioning mechanism 260 can be actuated to
move the mounting plates 261 and 266 to a position that places a
front surface of the boot 205' in contact with the tab 264 of the
first mounting plate 261 and places a back surface of the boot 205'
in contact with the tab 269 of the second mounting plate 266. In
this manner, as shown in FIG. 16, the shuttles 270 and thus, the
mounting plates 261 and 266 can be placed in a position that is
associated, at least partially, with the length L.sub.3 of the boot
205'. With the boot 205' centered widthwise relative to the jig 200
and at the desired position along the length of the ski 20, the
positioning mechanism 260 can be manipulated to retain the position
of the shuttles 270 and the mounting plates 261 and 266. Thus, the
boot 35 can be removed to expose the guide openings 262 of the
first mounting plate 261 and the guide openings 267 of the second
mounting plate 266. A drill bit can then be passed through the
guide openings 262 and 267 to drill mounting holes into a surface
of the ski. The jig 200 can then be decoupled from the ski 240 and
the ski bindings can be mounted, as described above.
[0073] As described above, the mounting plates 261 and 266 are at
least temporarily coupled to the shuttles 270 by disposing the
protrusions 271 of one of the shuttles 270 in the apertures 263 or
268 of the respective shuttle 270. In some instances, such an
arrangement can allow the mounting plates 261 and 266 to be
decoupled from the shuttles 270 and a different set of mounting
plates associated with a different binding having a different
style, type, size, shape, and/or design iteration, etc. For
example, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first mounting plate
361 and a second mounting plate 366 associated with a specific set
of ski bindings that have a different set of unique mounting
apertures from the ski bindings associated with the mounting plates
261 and 266. As shown in FIG. 17, the first mounting plate 361
includes a tab 364 and defines a set of apertures 363 and a set of
guide openings 362. Similarly, the second mounting plate 366
includes a tab 369 and defines a set of apertures 368 and a set of
guide openings 367. The tabs 364 and 369 of the mounting plates 361
and 366, respectively, are configured to be placed in contact with
opposite end surfaces of a ski boot, as described above. The
apertures 363 and 368 of the mounting plates 361 and 366,
respectively, are configured to receive the protrusions 271 of one
of the shuttles 270, as described in detail above. The set of guide
openings 362 and 367 of the mounting plates 361 and 366,
respectively, are associated with a mounting hole pattern of a
specific ski binding. Thus, the mounting plates 361 and 366 can be
coupled to the positioning mechanism 260 of the jig 200, and the
jig 200 can be used to facilitate the placement of the specific
bindings and associated with a desired position of a ski boot.
[0074] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first mounting plate 461
and a second mounting plate 466, according to another embodiment.
The first mounting plate 461 and the second mounting plate 466 can
be associated with a specific type, style, size, etc. of ski
bindings that are different from the ski bindings associated with
the mounting plates 261 and 266. As shown in FIG. 18, the first
mounting plate 461 includes a tab 464, and defines a set of
apertures 463 and a set of guide openings 462. Similarly, the
second mounting plate 466 includes a tab 469, and defines a set of
apertures 468 and a set of guide openings 467. The tabs 464 and 469
of the mounting plates 461 and 466, respectively, are configured to
be placed in contact with opposite surfaces of a ski boot, as
described above. The apertures 463 and 468 of the mounting plates
461 and 466, respectively, are configured to receive the
protrusions 271 of one of the shuttles 270, as described in detail
above, to removably couple the mounting plates 461 and 466 to the
positioning mechanism 460. The set of guide openings 462 and 467 of
the mounting plates 461 and 466, respectively, are associated with
a mounting hole pattern of a specific ski binding. Thus, the
mounting plates 461 and 466 can be coupled to the positioning
mechanism 260 of the jig 200, and the jig 200 can be used to
facilitate the placement of the specific bindings associated with
the desired position of a ski boot.
[0075] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a single mounting plate 561
that can be associated with a specific type, style, size, etc. of
ski bindings, according to another embodiment. The mounting plate
561 includes a first tab 564 and a second tab 569 that can be used
to position, for example, a ski boot, as described above for
previous embodiments. The mounting plate 561 defines a set of
apertures 563 and 568 and a set of guide openings 562. The
apertures 563 and 568 are configured to receive the protrusions 271
of one of the shuttles 270, as described in detail above. The set
of guide openings 562 of the mounting plate 561 is associated with
a mounting hole pattern of a specific ski binding. Thus, the
mounting plate 561 can be coupled to the positioning mechanism 260
of the jig 200, and the jig 200 can be used to facilitate the
placement of the specific bindings, as described above for previous
embodiments.
[0076] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method 690 of using a
mounting jig (e.g., 100, 200), according to an embodiment. The
method 690 includes positioning the mounting jig (also referred to
herein as "jig") on a ski, at 691. In some instances, the jig can
be placed in a desired location relative to the ski. For example,
as described above with reference to the jig 200, indicia or the
like on the jig can be aligned with indicia disposed (e.g. printed,
engraved, embossed, etc.) on the ski. A centering mechanism can be
actuated to adjustably center the jig widthwise on the ski, at 692.
For example, a jig can include a centering mechanism such as the
centering mechanisms (130, 230) described herein. In this manner,
an actuator of the centering mechanism can be manipulated to move
one or more clamp members to engage, for example, opposite sides of
the ski. For example, as described above with reference to the
centering mechanism 230, the actuator 250 can be actuated to place
the engagement portions 238 and 248 in contact with a first side of
a ski and a second side of a ski, opposite the first side,
respectively. In this manner, the centering mechanism can both
center the jig relative to the width of the ski and couple the jig
to the ski.
[0077] At 693, a mounting plate defining a pattern of apertures to
be used to drill holes in the ski can be coupled to a positioning
mechanism (e.g., 160, 260) of the mounting jig. The mounting plate
can be various suitable shapes, size, or configuration. In some
embodiments, the mounting plate can be a single mounting plate
(e.g., 561). In other embodiments, the mounting plate can include a
first portion or member (e.g., 161, 261, 361, 461) and a second
portion or member (e.g., 166, 266, 366, 466) that can be configured
to move relative to one another. In still other embodiments, more
than two mounting plates or portions can be coupled to the
positioning mechanism. Thus, as described above with reference to
the positioning mechanism 260, the jig can be used with multiple
different mounting plates that can be removably coupled to the
positioning mechanism. For example, a first mounting plate or set
of mounting plates can define a pattern of apertures associated
with a first a ski binding having a first unique pattern of
mounting holes can be removably coupled to the positioning
mechanism and used with the jig to facilitate the drilling of holes
in a ski. The jig can also be used with a second mounting plate or
set of mounting plates that define a pattern of apertures
associated with a second ski binding. For example, the first
mounting plate or set of mounting plates can be removed from the
jig and the second mounting plate or set of mounting plates can be
removably coupled to the positioning mechanism of the jig.
[0078] A reference member can be positioned on the mounting jig, at
694. For example, the reference member can be a ski boot that can
be placed in contact with a portion of at least one mounting plate.
The reference member can alternatively be, for example, an object
having a predetermined length that can be used to position the
positioning mechanism lengthwise relative to the ski. Such an
object may be used to position the jig to drill holes associated
with, for example, a demo binding. At 695, the positioning
mechanism can be actuated such that the mounting plate is
adjustably moved to a select position to accommodate a length of
the reference member. For example, in some embodiments, the
positioning mechanism can include a retention member that can be
moved from a first configuration in which the retention member
maintains the mounting plate in a relatively fixed position
relative to the jig and a second configuration in which the
retention member allows the mounting plate to be moved relative to
the jig. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism can be
substantially similar to or the same as the positioning mechanism
260 included in the jig 200. In such embodiments, the positioning
mechanism can be moved such that a first mounting plate and a
second mounting plate are moved relative to one another to
accommodate, for example, the length of a ski boot. In other
embodiments, a positioning mechanism that is substantially similar
to or the same as the positioning mechanism 260 can be used to move
a single mounting plate to accommodate a length of any suitable
reference member.
[0079] At 696, holes can be drilled in the ski at the location of
the pattern of apertures. For example, with the mounting plate(s)
in a desired position, a drill bit can be advanced through each
aperture from the pattern of apertures defined by the mounting
plate(s) to allow a user to drill holes in a desired position
relative to the ski. In this manner, the drilled holes can be used
to position one or more ski bindings in a desire location along a
length and a width of any suitable ski.
[0080] Although the jig 200 was described above with reference to
use with a pair of mounting plates 261 and 266, it should be
understood that the jig 200 can be used with other mounting plates
having a different pattern of apertures to facilitate the mounting
of various types and styles of bindings to a ski. In other
embodiments, the jig 200 can be used with more than two mounting
plates. For example, in some embodiments, multiple mounting plates
can define the apertures for a particular ski binding and the jig
can be configured to move the mounting plates in a similar manner
as described above for jig 100 and jig 200.
[0081] Although the positioning mechanisms 160 and/or 260 are shown
and described above as centering a ski boot relative to the jig 100
and/or 200, respectively, and determining the desired position of
the ski bindings based on the desired boot placement, in other
embodiments, the positioning mechanism 160 and/or 260 can be
manipulated to move a set of mounting plates or the like to a
desired position along the length of the ski that need not be based
on the position of a specific boot. For example, in some instances,
the positioning mechanism 160 and/or 260 can be manipulated to
define a desired distance between a point on a mounting plate
(e.g., a guide opening) and the center of the jig 100 and/or 200,
respectively. Thus, the jig can facilitate the placement of ski
bindings without centering, aligning, and/or otherwise using a ski
boot.
[0082] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above
indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of
certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events
may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible,
as well as performed sequentially as described above.
[0083] Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate
certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions,
the arrangement of components may be modified. Similarly, where
methods and/or events described above indicate certain events
and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering of
certain events and/or procedures may be modified. While the
embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be
understood that various changes in form and details may be
made.
[0084] Although various embodiments have been described as having
particular features and/or combinations of components, other
embodiments are possible having a combination or sub-combination of
any features and/or components from any of the embodiments
discussed above.
* * * * *